August Schell Brewing Company Pilsner

What the brewers say

"Schell’s Pils is a shining example of the true European Pilsner style beer. Brewed with 100 percent barley malt, where the Sterling Hop flavor is showcased. Its full hop characteristic and delicate aroma were developed in Pilsen, Bohemia around 1840. This style was widely copied by early American breweries. Over the years, however, it has been lost to the much lighter-bodied, low-hopped relatives."

What our panel thought

Flavor: "Upfront hop bitterness, balanced malt and hops in the middle, and a pleasant, bitter finish. Nice pils character. A touch of corn with floral hops reminiscent of gooseberry or white wine. Well balanced."

Overall: "Complex malt-hops balance. Bitterness is aggressive but appropriate. A full-flavored pils that holds your attention throughout. Very refreshing as it is, but a crisper finish would make it even more so."